Pandemic Special: Countries that have opened up for tourists
What's the story
Travel took a backseat last year with strict lockdowns in countries and severe travel restrictions being imposed on visitors from other places. Tourism is slowly opening up around the world, with each country having different sets of rules and regulations to curb the spread of coronavirus. These places are currently open to tourists but make sure to check official websites before planning your travel.
The Maldives
To visit the Maldives, keep negative PCR report ready
The Maldives was one of the first countries to open up its borders for tourists. To visit, you will need a negative PCR test report that has been taken 96 hours before departure. You may also be subjected to health screenings and further tests, if required, on arrival. There is no mandatory quarantine period, even though it is advised to isolate for 14 days.
Nepal
Nepal: A 7-day quarantine period mandatory for every traveler
While Nepal was open to trekkers and mountaineers from December last year, it is now open to travelers of all categories from all countries. You will need a PCR negative report, which has been taken 72 hours before departure. However, there is a 7-day mandatory quarantine period followed by a COVID-19 test, which you will have to undergo on the fifth day of quarantine.
Panama
Panama: The Central American country restricts UK, South Africa travelers
Panama is one of the latest countries to be open to tourists but has placed a ban on visitors residing in the UK and South Africa and those who have visited these countries in the preceding 20 days. Travelers should produce a COVID-19 negative certificate, which has been taken within 48 hours before their arrival, or should take a COVID-19 test upon arrival.
Dubai
Dubai has a number of strict protocols in place
Tourism in Dubai has opened up as well, but the country has strict COVID-19 protocols in place. Visitors must produce a COVID-19 negative certificate, which is not older than 72 hours before departure. All hotels in the UAE city are currently running at 70% capacity. However, you can't travel if you have been to South Africa or Nigeria within 14 days of departure to Dubai.
The Bahamas
The Bahamas: Travelers must complete a Travel Health Visa Application
The Bahamas has reopened tourism last year, and strict COVID-19 protocols are in place in the Caribbean country. Travelers must complete a Travel Health Visa Application and the form must be presented upon arrival. Tourists must also present a negative status on a COVID-19 RT PCR taken no more than five days before arrival. There is also a mandatory 14-day quarantine upon arrival.